Overview & Reviews

Chevrolet sells an impressively wide range of vehicles, from subcompact hatchbacks to huge vans and SUVs. If you're looking for a reasonably priced vehicle, odds are that Chevy will have something to fit your needs.

Chevrolet got its start in 1911. After William C. Durant had been ousted from General Motors, he joined forces with Swiss-born racecar driver Louis Chevrolet to found the Chevrolet Motor Car Company. The company's first offering was the Classic Six. Introduced in 1912, this five-passenger touring sedan could top 65 mph, fast for the time. Chevrolet's storied bowtie logo -- reportedly inspired by the wallpaper of a Paris hotel room that Durant stayed at -- made its first appearance in 1914.

By 1918, Chevrolet's profitability allowed Durant to purchase enough shares in GM to regain control. Chevrolet became another division of GM, and was its largest volume division by the mid-1920s. By 1927, Chevrolet outsold rival Ford, with sales in excess of 1 million units.

In the mid-1930s Chevrolet introduced independent front suspension, which provided a smoother ride over the rough roads of the day. The 1940s saw continued success with affordable coupes, sedans and pickup trucks catering to American families, farmers and businessmen.

By the mid-1950s, Chevrolet, GM's entry-level division, had added a V8 engine, power steering and brakes, power windows and air-conditioning to its list of available features, allowing luxury for those on a tighter budget. Around this time the iconic Bel Air model -- available in coupe, sedan, convertible and wagon body styles -- proved very popular. The company introduced its alluring Corvette in 1953; the vehicle was the first mass-produced car with a fiberglass body.

The 1960s saw the unveiling of the popular, air-cooled Corvair compact, which held the distinction of being the first domestic production car with all-around independent suspension. That decade also witnessed the launch of the compact Nova, the midsize Chevelle and the sporty Camaro, the latter Chevrolet's answer to the wildly successful Ford Mustang. The Camaro proved an instant hit, comprising 10 percent of Chevrolet's total sales in 1967, its first year of production.

In the 1970s, Chevy responded to changing preferences by introducing small cars like the Vega and the Chevette, and by downsizing larger models such as the Caprice and Malibu. The company combated the market domination of foreign nameplates in the 1980s by rolling out the Cavalier. By the end of that decade, trucks and SUVs had started to become increasingly popular with the general consumer, and the brand's mid- and full-size models continue to this day to be some of the most popular on the road.

The '90s and the early 2000s saw the company raising the performance bar with its Corvette (notably the Z06 and, later, ZR1 variants) and reincarnated Impala SS. Chevrolet's Silverado pickup truck and Tahoe/Suburban SUVs continued to be hits as well. By 2010, the Camaro had returned to the lineup after a seven-year hiatus.

Modern times have seen Chevrolet make significant improvements in its small and midsize car models and introduce the Volt plug-in hybrid. The latter provides a nearly 40-mile range on electric power alone, and adds to the company's already well-rounded lineup of cars, trucks and SUVs. Though today's marketplace is very demanding, Chevrolet seems poised to remain a power player through its affordable and innovative vehicles.

User Reviews:

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  I love this SUV - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By JayDub - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I only recently purchased my TrailBlazer, but I love it. It may not have has many toys as the LT, or LTZ models, but for pure driving pleasure it is just as good. The engine as one would expect has tremendous punch to it. It really takes off when you hit the gas. The ride is smooth and quite. In fact, if you are driving on the highway, you will hit 75-80 mph before you know it. I had put off buying this SUV for year (when the 2002 TrailBlazers arrived). If you want a smooth, powerful truck, buy this one.

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  Noisy - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Patrick - April 13 - 10:30 pm

  I have driven this car 700 miles since 1/3/06. I love the way it looks and its power but I cant stand the road noise. Those reviews that say its quiet and smooth are driving with the radio on, which is what I do now all the time. The brakes are great and being a senior citizen I like the OnStar feature. My last car was a 2003 Impala and what I miss in this car is the large rear window and normal size sideview mirrors of the 03. The rear defroster in the 03 was 3 times better than this new one also. It looks great outside and inside but this will be my last Impala. I got this car because my lease deal was excellent; it definitely wasnt my first choice.

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  Little truck, big performance - 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
  By cbc - April 13 - 7:57 pm

  With 30,000 miles around the corner I still get a smile on my face when I drive my Colorado. I drive 35 miles one to work so it pays to have a good looking truck that gets a 24 mpg average and comfortable too. Reliabilty isnt a worry for me because it just feels like a solid little truck.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 1998 Chevrolet Lumina
  By KD - April 13 - 5:38 pm

  Ive always had cars that were poor mechanically. This car has been awesome. I have done nothing to the engine except replace the spark plugs and change the oil. I replaced the gas tank and general maintenance. Its comfortable to drive but now with 146000 miles on it, its starting to show its age. I dont get much power going up hills anymore. Im going to be sad to see her go. There wont be another one like it out there as trouble free as this was.

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  C6 the best Vette ever! - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Voodooman - April 13 - 5:06 pm

  This is my third Corvette and by far the best Corvette ever. Ive had the third generation and fifth generation Corvettes and all I can say is that they did it right this time with the sixth generation Vette. From the styling and handling to the sound and navigational system all is American Classic Corvette. I had second thoughts about the fixed headlights but it is the thing that impresses me the most. Absolutely gorgeous, absolutely practical, absolutely American!

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  Rad Retro - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By HUN - April 13 - 1:43 pm

  An attention getter wherever I go. The retro styling with the up to date performance package are a sweet combo. The utility of a pickup bed albiet small and convertible top just add to the sweetness. My teens are always after me for the keys. Chevrolet was on the right track with this idea however it is probably a little too rad for the people who can afford one. End of production in 06 will only serve to vault this vehicle into collector status. Well done Chevrolet.

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  My baby Kolby! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Karl - April 12 - 9:40 pm

  I love my new car! I was blessed to aquire a 2005 Cobalt w/ the Sport Package and I love it! The car doesnt have any flaws, its fun to drive (sporty and fast for us teenagers), and it doesnt hurt the wallet! I wish I had a 1 touch sunroof but to make up for that the sunroof has a huge view! I also wish i had more headroom, but again open the sunroof and Ive got all the headroom I need :) I love the daytime running parking lamps, spoiler,sunroof, fog lights, steering wheel controls, CD player, and Pioneer sound system w/ the subwoofer! All I have to say is wow! This is a great 1st car for anyone, and especially for the younger generation! Chevry did a great job replacing the Cavalier!

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  Outstanding Camaro SS - 2001 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Hal_396 - April 12 - 11:48 am

  I have had this car now for 5 years. I use it as a highway vechicle only, so it rarely gets used. It has held up well and is a blast to drive. Wish they still made the Camaro. Glad I bought one of the last ones made.

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  No comparison to the former Malibu - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Patrick - April 12 - 11:13 am

  After 3 weeks of many test drives and research the decision was far too obvious. My LS has 16,000Kms, the full airbag package, ABS, traction control, V6, OnStar. Safety rated as one of the top 6 cars and the only North American car on the list! It keeps good company with Lexus, VW, Saab, Subaru. My decision was based on safety, price, and fun to drive-ness. I got way more than that! The fit and finish on the exterior metal is amazing. Its a classy undiscovered jewel in a sea of hype and look-alikes! Check out the new Malibu. Saying its new & improved doesnt begin to do it justice. This is the best car Ive ever owned, and theres been a lot!

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  Love my Trailblazer - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By trailblazing babe - April 11 - 11:56 am

  Ive only had my TB for 2 weeks and I am very happy with all of it. The smooth ride, interior, sound, exterior is exceptional.